A Truly Grizzly Tale
Yikes!
Back when my kids were young, I went camping with my family and had a heart-stopping moment I’ll never forget. I was walking alone through the forest, just out of sight from our campsite, marveling at the quiet beauty of God’s creation. The serenity broke when I spotted a massive grizzly bear—the first I’d ever seen in the wild. Its eyes locked onto mine, and it seemed agitated, maybe protecting cubs nearby. With a low growl, it started towards me.
I was in an instant state of panic. I’d never imagined being in this situation. I turned and ran, crashing through the woods as fast as I could. The bear was distant at first, but it was gaining fast, its heavy steps shaking the ground. Desperate and unsure what to do, I spotted my car, sprinted to it, and dove inside, slamming the door shut. I didn’t even know where my family was as fear clouded my thoughts. Then I noticed the passenger window was open. Before I could react, the bear’s enormous, snarling face appeared in the side window frame, its breath hot and close. In a split second of pure instinct, I swung my fist, landing a hard punch right on its nose.
A scream snapped me out of it. It wasn’t a bear—it was my wife, Mary, lying beside me in bed, clutching her head where I’d just punched her. She was fighting a migraine the night before, and I’d mistaken her for the grizzly in my vivid DREAM. “What are you doing?!” she shouted. Still dazed and fuzzy-brained, I mumbled, “I’m saving you from a bear!”
True story—Ask my wife.
Moral of the Grizzly Tale
When “Sorry” is simply not enough?
The lesson here? When a grizzly bear, fierce and protective of her cubs, comes charging, don’t think a punch to the nose will save you—it’ll only make her mad. And if it was all a dream, you might just wake up to find you’ve socked your spouse in the face. Either way, you’re in for trouble you never could’ve imagined.
And, both are capable of… Biting your head off!
May God bless you today with good dreams and forgiving spouses.
Jeff (hunting Bear) Larson
Verses of the day
He who finds a wife finds a good thing,
And obtains favor from the Lord. Proverbs 8:22
